Meissen - blue onions land in Milan

Meissen began making porcelain – "white gold" – in 1710, and it introduced its crossed-sword trademark in 1722, making it the oldest logo in existence today. Today, after German unification (the factory was in East Germany), the brand has diversified from its classic porcelain to luxury products (including the world's first organ made with Meissen porcelain organ pipes). Now it has taken another step into the world of global luxury by opening the first European Meissen flagship store on Via Montenapoleone in Milan, Italy.

Villa Meissen will open on 18 April 2012 at Via Montenapoleone 3, Milan. The location is a palazzo named Casa Carcassola-Grandi, built in the 16th century. The date is no coincidence: it is the second day of the Milan Furniture Show, the Salone del Mobile, which attracts thousands of people all over the world to see all the latest in furniture design, lighting and interiors. Meissen will present Meissen Home, which includes luxury interiors, artworks, jewellery, and of course the porcelain products, including some limited editions. The furniture comprises hand-made sofas, armchairs, tables, lamps, rugs and textiles, whose design includes references to classic 20th century styles along with Meissen iconic motifs.

Casa Carcassola-Grandi has been sensitively restored for its new occupants, highlighting original features including frescoed ceilings.

And the blue onions? This is the name of Meissen's classic porcelain pattern "Blue Onion," first introduced in 1739.